The historic Crosby House reopened its doors Sunday for the first time since 2020.
Local history aficionados can now tour the property between 1 and 4 p.m. the first Sunday of the month through October. Tours are available any time of the year upon request.
The house and museum, located at 702 Deschutes Way N in Tumwater, was built circa-1860 by music legend Bing Crosby’s grandparents, Nathaniel Crosby III and Cordelia Crosby (born Cordelia Jane Smith).
The house changed hands many times before it was donated to the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington, Chapter 4 in 1947, according to information provided by the City of Tumwater.
In 1981, the Daughters of the Pioneers gave the house to the City of Tumwater with provision that the Daughters would have a life estate in the property as long as Chapter 4 continued.
Chapter 4 was organized in 1930 and continues to maintain the Crosby House to this day.
“The Daughters of the Pioneers have restored and furnished the house and indeed have fought valiantly to keep the house through the construction of Deschutes Parkway and Interstate 5,” the City of Tumwater states on its website.
The Crosby House is listed on the Tumwater Register of Historic Places, the National Register as part of the Tumwater Historic District and individually listed on the Washington State Register of Historic Places, according to the City of Tumwater.
The Crosby House closed to the public in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and remained closed for some time after for renovations.
Tours of the house and property are free, though donations to support the Daughters of the Pioneers are accepted.
To request a tour outside of the scheduled first Sunday times, contact Ann Olson at 360-943-5209.
